Fish Frydays: A Catholic and Community Tradition - feat. Fr. Jonathan Sawicki

In just 10 short days, we will begin the season of Lent – honestly it feels like Christmas was yesterday – and with that, comes meatless Fridays. Enter the local parish fish fry. This generations old practice has been a staple in Catholic communities dating back to prohibition when they were used to disguise speakeasies to keep the bars from going under financially and even further overseas. Just like at Christmas or Thanksgiving or birthdays or any given Tuesday, food is celebratory, it’s traditional, it brings us together. Friday Fish Frys are no different. But why fish? Why Fridays? And why did it change from no meat on every Friday to just no meat on Fridays during Lent? Today we’re welcoming back Father Jonathan Sawicki, pastor at St. Theresa’s church in New Cumberland to share with us the rich history of this tradition, why fish is the main dish, and how strong this ministry of Friday Fish Frys still is today.